Whether it’s because avocado green and harvest gold are no longer in style or you need to accommodate a new family member, home remodeling is an ongoing pursuit. According to the 2022 National Association of Realtors Remodeling Impact Report, kitchen and bathroom remodels offer a great return on investment. A large-scale remodel requires a professional. However, some projects can be DIY friendly if you’re highly experienced.
Norton Home Remodeling is an opportunity to make your house a better fit for your lifestyle. By customizing the layout, adding new features and upgrading materials, you can add value to your home while also improving your quality of life.
Choosing the right home improvement projects is important. Some improvements will generate higher return on investment (ROI) than others. Projects such as manufactured stone veneers, electric HVAC conversions and steel door replacements typically have the highest ROI. However, ROI varies by local market, the size and quality of the project, and your personal circumstances.
When choosing a home remodel, consider how the change will impact your daily routine and how it will fit with your style preferences. For example, if you plan to turn your spare bedroom into a home office, be sure to consider how the remodel will affect your ability to easily accommodate guests in that space.
Another consideration is how the remodel will affect your property taxes. Remodeling your home can increase its assessed value, which may result in higher property taxes. If you are considering this option, talk to a home remodeling professional and get advice about how much your renovation will cost and the potential tax impacts.
The customization process can be daunting, especially if you don’t know where to begin. Many home remodeling companies have designers on staff who can help you choose from a wide variety of options for your home. Then, they will provide you with a detailed estimate and timeline to ensure that your home improvement project stays on track. Visit your nearest Clayton Home Center today to learn more about the customization options that are available.
Energy Efficiency
One of the most important reasons to remodel a home is to improve energy efficiency. This can save money on utility bills and reduce environmental impact. Many homeowners also find that making their home more energy efficient can help them feel better about living in it. In addition, a home that is well-insulated, with an appropriate amount of shading and proper ventilation, will be less likely to have moisture problems that can lead to mold, mildew or other health issues.
Many homeowners choose to use their remodeling project as an opportunity to switch from gas to electric appliances, or even solar power. This can significantly reduce the home’s carbon footprint. Other green home improvements include advanced house framing techniques, which can help to save energy by reducing lumber waste in wood-framed houses. Some builders also incorporate a variety of renewable energy systems, such as solar water heating and solar electricity, into new homes or into home renovations.
While kitchen and bathroom remodeling still top the list of most popular projects, according to the 2022 National Association of Realtors Remodeling Impact Report, other remodels can also have a big return on investment. For example, manufactured stone veneers, electric HVAC conversions and steel garage door replacements have some of the highest ROIs in terms of home improvement projects. However, ROIs vary depending on the scope of the work. In general, projects that fix a design or structural flaw tend to generate higher ROIs than those that don’t. For example, adding attic insulation can have a much bigger ROI than installing new flooring. This is because the added insulation will make the home more comfortable, and reduce energy costs.
Safety
Home remodeling is a fun and exciting project to undertake, but it’s important to put safety first. When a remodel is underway, it’s essential to have a good plan in place and utilize professional tools and contracting services. In addition, you’ll want to check with your insurance company to make sure construction-related accidents are covered during the renovation process.
In the meantime, it’s also a good idea to create a safe workspace and make sure any family members who will be in the house during the remodel wear proper personal protective equipment. This includes gloves, eye protection, and work boots or shoes to protect against cuts, scrapes, and abrasions. It’s also a good idea to regularly inspect the work area for hazards, including loose wires, nails, or tools that could hurt anyone who accidentally comes into contact with them.
Finally, it’s a good idea to have motion-sensor lights installed during the remodel, as well as an alarm system. This will deter burglars who may see your remodeling project as a prime opportunity. Also, if you’ll be away from home for any length of time during the remodel, have someone check in on your home and take care of any unforeseen issues that might arise.
As you can see, there are many positives to a home remodel. However, it’s critical to keep your family’s safety in mind during the entire process, especially if you’re planning on living in the home during the remodeling work. The best way to do this is by partnering with a professional who understands the upheaval that a home remodel can cause and will make sure your remodeling project is completed safely and efficiently.
Indoor Air Quality
Home repairs and remodels can have a significant impact on indoor air quality. The air can become filled with micron-sized particulates, including drywall, wood and concrete dust, VOCs, cigarette smoke, mold spores and more. Breathing these particles can irritate the eyes, nose and throat and lead to headaches. Some toxins can penetrate deep into the lungs where they can affect long-term health. This is especially true for children, the elderly or immunocompromised people.
Construction projects produce large amounts of dust and vapors from paint, varnishes, glues, adhesives, sealants and finishing products. These vapors can off-gas for a period of time, releasing volatile organic compounds that can be a cause of poor indoor air quality. These compounds can irritate the respiratory and cardiovascular systems, trigger asthma attacks, and contribute to chronic illnesses such as cancer, neurological disorders, depression and dementia.
Inadequate ventilation can increase pollution levels by not bringing in fresh outdoor air to dilute pollutants and carry them out of the house. High temperatures and humidity levels can also increase pollutant concentrations.
It is important to maintain good indoor air quality during a renovation project by utilizing exhaust ventilation and enclosing the renovation area with plastic sheeting. This can prevent pollutants from moving into other parts of the house and causing health problems for family members. It is also important to use low-VOC and non-toxic building materials.
During the construction process, it may be beneficial to use an air purifier. This can help filter out pollutants before they get a chance to enter the lungs. Choosing building products with third-party certifications for healthy indoor air, such as LEED, WELL and ENERGY STAR can also reduce exposure to harmful chemicals.
Comfort
A feeling of ease and relaxation, often associated with a home or place. Comfort may also refer to an emotional state that soothes anxiety or sadness. Examples of comfort include the support someone receives during a tragedy or the sense of safety in a familiar environment.
The term “comfort” can also be applied to something physical that alleviates pain or discomfort. For example, a pillow or blanket can provide comfort by keeping you warm or helping you fall asleep. The sense of physical comfort is important because it contributes to overall health and well-being.
Remodeling a home can increase the level of comfort by replacing old or damaged materials with safer alternatives, improving ventilation, and enhancing natural light. For example, replacing toxic lead paint with low-VOC (volatile organic compounds) materials can reduce indoor air pollution and prevent illness.
It can also be beneficial to create a dedicated space for hobbies like sewing, woodworking or painting that encourage creativity and enhance mental wellbeing. Studies have shown that such activities can help stave off signs of aging, including Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. Remodeling a home can create an ideal space for these pursuits by providing a room with the appropriate lighting, furnishings and amenities.
Homeowners can also increase their overall comfort by inviting family and friends over more frequently. Guests will feel more at home if they have an extra bedroom, a private bathroom and a comfortable living room to retreat to after dinner or a long weekend. Remodeling a home can also improve the flow of the kitchen, dining and living spaces so that they are better suited to hosting social events. Musical entertainment or nature-inspired sounds through smart speakers can further promote a sense of comfort by evoking positive emotions and reducing stress.